Chapter Profile: Corvallis Right to Life.(Corvallis, Oregon)(Brief Article)

Washington and Oregon share many of the same political stereotypes. The two states are very similar in that they are two of the most unchurched states in the nation and the ideological divide between conservatives and liberals closely matches the topographical dividers in each state.

In general, as in most states, the big cities and college towns are teeming with those lacking respect for human life. So, how does a chapter operating in a city, college town, or any hostile environment get its message out?

In last month's issue, how HUMAN LIFE of Seattle effectively promotes the right to life in an unreceptive environment was examined. This month, another type of community resistant to a culture of life--the college town--takes front stage.

Corvallis, Oregon, is the hometown of Oregon State University. This is not the type of community where people routinely attend pro-life potlucks and/or where public displays are effective, according to Corvallis Right to Life (CRL) Chapter Chair Paul Harmon. Thus, since people do not usually approach CRL, CRL has to reach out to the community with carefully tailored messages and projects to make the biggest impact on its audience.

Mr. Harmon and his group recognize that their audience is primarily young and is initially hostile to a pro-life message. These are the young women and men of the post-abortive generation by virtue of being born after January 22, 1973. These are women, many of whom either have had abortions or know friends who have aborted their babies. And these are men who have paid for abortions or had their sons or daughters aborted without having a say in the matter.

Corvallis Right to Life has wisely chosen to emphasize the truth regarding the development of the unborn child and the harms of abortion. This is designed to appeal to the pregnant mother by encouraging her to do what is right and generating enthusiasm for motherhood.

CRL runs radio ads on the local Christian station four times each year. One of the more memorable ads had babies giggling and goo-ing in the background as the announcer makes a positive statement promoting life. The chapter received very favorable feedback; people remember the ad with the laughing babies.